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Sam Riley
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Samuel Peter W. Riley (born 8 January 1980)[1] is an English actor and singer.[2] He is best known for his performance in the 2007 biographical film Control about the life of Ian Curtis, as protagonist Sal Paradise in the 2012 adaptation of the Jack Kerouac novel On the Road, and as Diaval in the 2014 film Maleficent. Riley received renown for his portrayal of Fitzwilliam Darcy in the 2016 film Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.
Key Information
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Early life and education
[edit]Riley was born in Menston, Bradford, West Yorkshire, the son of Amanda, a nursery school teacher, and Andrew Riley, a textile agent.[2][3] He was educated at Malsis School, an independent school in the village of Cross Hills in North Yorkshire, and at Uppingham School, an independent school in the market town of Uppingham in Rutland.[2]
Career
[edit]Acting
[edit]His breakthrough performance came when he played the role of Ian Curtis in the film Control, a biopic about the lead singer of the 1970s post-punk band Joy Division.[2] The film received high critical acclaim due in good part to Riley's performance,[4] which won him a selection of awards including the British Independent Film Award for "Most Promising Newcomer"[5] a BAFTA "Rising Star" nomination;[2] and a Mark Kermode nod for Best Actor 2007.
Prior to his portrayal of Ian Curtis, Riley played The Fall frontman Mark E. Smith in the Michael Winterbottom film 24 Hour Party People, which details the Factory Records era and featured Sean Harris as Ian Curtis.[2] Riley's scenes, however, were omitted from the final cut.[2]
In September 2007, Riley was cast in Gerald McMorrow's British science fiction film Franklyn. He starred as the lead role in 13, an English language remake of the French thriller 13 Tzameti, released in the U.S. 28 October 2011. He played the role of Pinkie Brown in Brighton Rock alongside Helen Mirren, an adaption of Graham Greene's novel,[6] released 4 February 2011.[2] He also starred in Walter Salles' film adaptation of Jack Kerouac's autobiographical On the Road playing the narrator and protagonist Sal Paradise.[2] He also has a small role in the 2011 German comedy Woman in Love, in which his wife Alexandra Maria Lara plays the female lead. His role is listed as "Wagenmeister".
In Byzantium (2012), a film directed by Neil Jordan, he appears alongside Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan as Darvell.
In 2012, Riley was cast as Diaval in Disney's Maleficent, alongside Angelina Jolie.[4] The film was released May 2014.
In 2015, he played Benoit Labarie in Saul Dibb's film adaptation of Irène Némirovsky's novel Suite Française, opposite Michelle Williams, Matthias Schoenaerts, Kristin Scott Thomas and Ruth Wilson.
Riley was also cast as Fitzwilliam Darcy (Mr. Darcy) in the film, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,[7] released in February 2016.
Riley played the 'not-so welcome' returning prodigal brother David in the 2018 film Happy New Year, Colin Burstead[8] by Ben Wheatley.
Modelling
[edit]He featured in the autumn/winter 2008 publicity campaign for the British fashion house Burberry, supervised by Christopher Bailey and shot by Mario Testino.[9] He modelled the fall/winter 2014 Stefano Pilati-designed couture collection of Ermenegildo Zegna.[10] He was named one of GQ's 50 best dressed British men in 2015.[11]
Music
[edit]For a few years Riley was the lead singer of the Leeds band 10,000 Things, with whom he achieved moderate success. After their first release on indie label Voltage Records in 2002, they signed to major label Polydor for one self-titled album.[2] They disbanded in 2005.
Personal life
[edit]As of 2011, Riley lives in Berlin with his wife, Romanian-German actress Alexandra Maria Lara.[2] They met while filming Control, married in August 2009 and have a son born in January 2014.[12][13][14]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | SS-GB | Douglas Archer | BBC One mini-series |
References
[edit]- ^ "UPI Almanac for Monday, Jan. 8, 2018". United Press International. 8 January 2018. Archived from the original on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
…actor Sam Riley in 1980 (age 38)
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k James Mottram: The only people for me are the mad ones. Independent on Sunday: The New Review, 30 January 2011, pp 10–13
- ^ Hardaker, Andrea (11 October 2007). "Chance phone call brought fame to a Menston lad". Ilkley Gazette. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ a b Wollaston, Sam (18 June 2020). "Sam Riley: 'The closer I got to fame, the more frightened I was of it'". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "BIFA Winners 2007". British Independent Film Awards. 28 November 2007. Archived from the original on 26 November 2007. Retrieved 1 December 2007.
- ^ "Sam Riley shot to fame as the doomed Ian Curtis in Control. Now he's playing creepy Pinkie in Brighton Rock". The Guardian. 12 January 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ Panos, Maggie (24 September 2014). "In: Sam Riley". POPSUGAR Entertainment. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ "Happy New Year, Colin Burstead (2018) - IMDb". IMDb.com. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- ^ Millar, Jamie; GQ; Sam Riley Exclusive!, February 2011. CQ.com Archived 7 February 2011 at the Wayback Machine; retrieved 9 February 2011.
- ^ Stefano Pilati concept zegna.com
- ^ "50 Best Dressed Men in Britain 2015". GQ. 5 January 2015.
- ^ "Alexandra Maria Lara: Endlich ist der Name ihres Babys raus!" [Alexandra Maria Lara- Her baby's name is finally out!]. BUNTE.de (in German). 13 February 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
- ^ "Nachwuchs: Berlinerin Alexandra Maria Lara freut sich über einen Sohn" [Alexandra Maria Lara from Berlin is happy to have a son]. Morgenpost. 7 January 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "Alexandra Maria Lara & Sam Riley – Baby-Geschlecht bekannt" [Alexandra Maria Lara & Sam Riley - It's a boy!]. Ok magazin. 1 June 2014. Archived from the original on 20 February 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood Scoops Movie Award". Gigwise.
- ^ "2008 ICS AWARD WINNERS". International Cinephile Society. 14 June 2010.
- ^ Economou, Vassilis (17 December 2024). "The Berlinale announces the first Berlinale Special, Panorama and Generation titles". Cineuropa. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Sam Riley.
- Sam Riley at the British Film Institute
- Sam Riley at IMDb
Sam Riley
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Sam Riley is an English actor and singer best known for his portrayal of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis in the 2007 biographical film Control.[1]
Born on 8 January 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, Riley grew up in the nearby village of Menston and attended Malsis School in Cross Hills before boarding at Uppingham School in Rutland.[2] He briefly studied English literature at the University of Leeds but dropped out to pursue acting after being rejected by the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.[3] Prior to his film breakthrough, Riley fronted the pop/rock band 10,000 Things, signed to Domino Records from 2003 to 2006, and performed with the National Youth Theatre.[4]
Riley's acting career gained international acclaim with Control, directed by Anton Corbijn, for which he won the British Independent Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer, was nominated for Best Actor, and earned nominations including the BAFTA Rising Star Award.[4] He followed this with lead roles such as the troubled gangster Pinkie Brown in Brighton Rock (2010) and Sal Paradise in Walter Salles' adaptation of On the Road (2012).[5] Notable supporting parts include the shape-shifting raven Diaval in Maleficent (2014) and its 2019 sequel, the Regency-era antagonist Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), and the ill-fated sailor Donald Crowhurst in The Mercy (2018).[6] His television work includes the BBC miniseries Freefall (2009).[7]
In recent years, Riley has starred in biographical dramas like Radioactive (2019) as Pierre Curie and Firebrand (2023) as Thomas Seymour, alongside thrillers such as The Vault (2021) and the biopic Widow Clicquot (2023).[8] His 2024 projects include the titular role in the German-language biopic John Cranko, portraying the influential ballet choreographer.[9] In 2025, he leads the noir thriller Islands, directed by Jan-Ole Gerster, as a washed-up tennis coach entangled in intrigue on Fuerteventura, and appears in the action film Bulk.[10][7]
Early life
Childhood and family
Samuel Peter W. Riley was born on 8 January 1980 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England.[11][12] He is the son of Andrew Riley, a textile agent, and Amanda Riley, a nursery school teacher.[13][14] Riley grew up in Menston as one of four children, with two brothers, George and Jack, and a sister, Annabel; the family resided in the area, and his siblings remained there into adulthood.[13] Public details about his parents and siblings beyond their professions and basic family structure are limited, respecting their privacy. Riley's early childhood unfolded in the rural surroundings of West Yorkshire's Wharfedale valley, where the family enjoyed holidays at a second home in Filey on the Yorkshire coast during Easter and summer breaks, fostering cherished memories of seaside outings.[13]Education and early interests
Riley first attended Menston Infants School before going to Malsis School, a primary boarding school in Crosshills, North Yorkshire, where he participated in school productions, including a role in The Wizard of Oz.[13] He later transferred to Uppingham School, a secondary boarding school in Rutland, receiving what he described as a "1950s-style education."[15] During his time at these institutions, Riley faced challenges adjusting to boarding life, compounded by undiagnosed dyslexia that led teachers to view his difficulties as laziness rather than a learning difference.[15] At Uppingham, Riley became involved in school plays and drama activities, which ignited his passion for performing.[15] This early engagement culminated in his membership in the National Youth Theatre around age 16, where he secured a role in a play and further honed his skills.[16][17] During his teenage years, Riley developed strong interests in both music and acting, often blending the two in his pursuits. He was particularly influenced by post-punk bands like Joy Division, whose music resonated with him and foreshadowed his later career choices.[18] His Yorkshire upbringing provided a grounded foundation that shaped these formative interests.[19]Career
Acting
Riley began his acting career in the early 2000s with minor roles in British television and film, including an uncredited appearance as Mark E. Smith in Michael Winterbottom's 24 Hour Party People (2002), a supporting part in the comedy Grow Your Own (2007), and appearances in the TV series Suburban Shootout (2006).[7] These early credits provided initial exposure but did not garner significant attention, as Riley balanced acting with his work in a music band.[20] His breakthrough came with the lead role of Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis in Anton Corbijn's biographical drama Control (2007). Despite having no prior singing experience, Riley immersed himself in preparation by learning to mimic Curtis's distinctive baritone and performing the band's songs live on set, a process he described as daunting but transformative.[21] The film, which chronicles Curtis's rise, struggles with epilepsy, and tragic suicide, earned widespread acclaim for Riley's haunting portrayal, marking his emergence as a compelling dramatic actor and propelling him into international recognition.[22] Following Control, Riley transitioned to major roles that showcased his range across genres and periods. In Walter Salles's adaptation of Jack Kerouac's On the Road (2012), he played the introspective protagonist Sal Paradise, capturing the character's wanderlust and existential searching in a road-trip narrative exploring post-war American freedom.[23] He then ventured into fantasy as the shape-shifting raven Diaval in Robert Stromberg's Maleficent (2014), a live-action reimagining of Disney's Sleeping Beauty that highlighted his ability to blend intensity with whimsy alongside Angelina Jolie.[24] Riley portrayed a brooding Mr. Darcy in the action-horror hybrid Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016), infusing Jane Austen's romantic archetype with zombie-apocalypse grit. He appeared as the ill-fated sailor Donald Crowhurst in The Mercy (2018) and as Pierre Curie opposite Rosamund Pike in the biographical drama Radioactive (2019).[6] More recently, he embodied the ambitious courtier Thomas Seymour in Karim Aïnouz's historical thriller Firebrand (2023), navigating Tudor intrigue and power dynamics opposite Alicia Vikander. In 2024, Riley took the titular role in the German-language biopic John Cranko, portraying the influential ballet choreographer who revitalized the Stuttgart Ballet.[25] His television work expanded with the lead in the Apple TV+ thriller series Disclaimer (2024). In 2025, he led the noir thriller Islands, directed by Jan-Ole Gerster, as a washed-out tennis coach entangled in intrigue on Fuerteventura; the film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in February and was released in cinemas in May, earning praise (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) for its tense atmosphere and Riley's subdued performance.[26][27] He also starred in the science-fiction thriller Bulk, directed by Ben Wheatley.[28] Riley's work in Control earned him a British Independent Film Award nomination for Best Actor, a win for Most Promising Newcomer, the London Film Critics' Circle Breakthrough Actor award, and a BAFTA Rising Star nomination in 2008, solidifying his status as a promising talent.[29][30] While later projects like Firebrand, John Cranko, Islands, and Bulk received positive notices for his contributions, they did not yield additional major awards as of November 2025.[30] Critics have traced Riley's career evolution from indie darling to versatile Hollywood player, praising his shift from the raw emotional depth of Control—often hailed as a career-defining intensity—to more commercial fare like Maleficent, where his physicality and subtlety added layers to genre roles.[24] His portrayals demonstrate adaptability, moving seamlessly between biographical dramas, literary adaptations, and supernatural thrillers, with reviewers noting his "eerie resemblance and riveting presence" in intense characters alongside a growing ease in ensemble blockbusters.[25] Key collaborations, such as with Corbijn on Control and Salles on On the Road, have underscored his affinity for director-driven projects exploring themes of alienation and rebellion.[31]Music
In 2002, Sam Riley formed the indie garage-rock band 10,000 Things in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where he served as lead singer and frontman, with his brother George Riley on bass guitar.[32][33] The six-piece group, completed by guitarists Davro and Will Newman, percussionist Justin Jackson, and drummer Stob, drew stylistic influences from early rock acts like the Rolling Stones and the Cramps, blending riff-driven energy with raw, shambolic performances.[32][33] Riley's upbringing amid the vibrant Yorkshire music scene, particularly Leeds' post-punk and indie undercurrents, shaped the band's formation and sound.[34] From 2002 to 2005, 10,000 Things built a reputation through energetic live shows in UK clubs, earning buzz as a "fearsome" act that supported bands like Babyshambles and captivated audiences with Riley's charismatic, oil-slick-haired persona reminiscent of rock archetypes.[32][35] The band signed with Domino Recording Company in 2003, releasing a self-titled promotional single in 2004 and the Foodchain EP that year, featuring tracks like "Loverboy," "La La La," and "Dogsbody" that showcased their gritty, melody-hunting guitar work.[36][37] They recorded a full album during this period, but it was ultimately shelved by the label, contributing to internal strains amid the group's rising but unfulfilled ambitions.[35] Riley's vocal development during these years centered on a self-honed, jagged and throaty delivery that emerged from rigorous live practice and recording sessions, defining the band's raw aesthetic without formal training.[38] Anecdotes from the era highlight the band's chaotic energy, such as Riley fielding persistent fan propositions during gigs, underscoring their cult-like local appeal.[39] Tensions peaked when Domino dropped the band around 2005, prompting disbandment as Riley shifted focus to acting commitments, leaving behind an obscure legacy with no major commercial releases beyond promos and the EP.[36][4] The group's unreleased album remains a footnote in indie rock history, emblematic of early-2000s buzz bands that flickered without breaking through.[35]Modelling
Riley's foray into modelling commenced with his prominent debut in Burberry's autumn/winter 2008 campaign, photographed by Mario Testino alongside Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, which positioned him as an emerging style icon in the wake of his acting breakthrough.[40][41] This high-profile endorsement, featuring the brand's signature trench coats in stark black-and-white imagery, underscored a shift toward luxury fashion as an extension of his on-screen persona.[42] Subsequent engagements included his role as the face of Ermenegildo Zegna Couture's autumn/winter 2014 campaign, captured by Inez & Vinoodh under creative director Stefano Pilati, where Riley embodied a refined, introspective aesthetic through impeccably tailored menswear.[43][44] His brooding intensity, a hallmark of his film roles, lent a narrative depth to these luxury brand collaborations, though such work remained selective and secondary to his acting career.[45] In recognition of his sartorial presence, Riley was included in British GQ's 50 Best Dressed Men in Britain list for 2015, celebrated for his understated elegance in tailored suits that echoed his Yorkshire heritage.[46] Overall, his modelling pursuits were limited in scope, with no notable campaigns documented after 2015 as of November 2025, reflecting an occasional rather than sustained involvement in fashion.[46]Personal life
Family
Sam Riley met German-Romanian actress Alexandra Maria Lara on the set of the 2007 biographical film Control, where they portrayed Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis and his Belgian lover Annik Honoré, respectively.[24] The couple married in August 2009 in a low-key ceremony that reflected their playful dynamic, featuring a penalty shoot-out between English and German guests to break the ice and decide the best man, with the English side emerging victorious to ensure a celebratory atmosphere.[47] Riley and Lara welcomed their first child, a son named Ben, in January 2014.[24] The birth marked a significant shift in Riley's priorities, prompting him to select roles more selectively to balance family life, such as choosing projects like Maleficent (2014) that his young son could eventually view without concern.[24] Throughout their marriage, Riley and Lara have demonstrated mutual support in their acting careers.[35] The couple maintains a deliberate distance from public scrutiny, prioritizing privacy for their family and avoiding the intrusions of fame, which Riley has described as a source of fear that influences his professional choices.[35]Residence
Sam Riley relocated to Berlin, Germany, around 2008, drawn by his relationship with Romanian-German actress Alexandra Maria Lara and the city's vibrant cultural landscape.[48][15] The move allowed the couple to establish roots in a place where Lara felt connected, while Riley appreciated Berlin's creative energy and relative distance from the intensity of the UK entertainment industry.[17][49] In Berlin, Riley has built a family life centered on raising their son, embracing the city's multicultural environment and fostering a sense of belonging through everyday integration into local customs and communities.[15] He has noted the German capital's tolerant atmosphere, which supports a low-key existence despite his professional recognition, enabling the family to maintain privacy away from constant public scrutiny.[49][50] Riley's lifestyle in Berlin emphasizes discretion and balance, with a preference for understated living that includes spacious, affordable housing and quality local cuisine, contrasting with the bustle of London.[51] He makes occasional visits to the UK for family or work but returns to Berlin as his primary base, valuing its calm over urban frenzy.[17] As of 2025, following the premiere of his film Islands at the Berlinale, Riley remains settled in the city, describing it as a stable haven that supports his ongoing career and personal well-being.[52][53]Filmography
Film
Riley's breakthrough came with his portrayal of Ian Curtis in the 2007 biographical drama Control, directed by Anton Corbijn.[54] The following is a chronological list of his feature film credits:| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 24 Hour Party People | Mark E. Smith | Michael Winterbottom | Deleted scene; uncredited in final cut |
| 2007 | Control | Ian Curtis | Anton Corbijn | [54] |
| 2008 | Franklyn | Milo | Gerald McMorrow | [55] |
| 2010 | 13 | Vince Ferro | Géla Babluani | [56] |
| 2010 | Brighton Rock | Pinkie Brown | Rowan Joffé | [57] |
| 2012 | On the Road | Sal Paradise | Walter Salles | [58] |
| 2012 | Byzantium | Darvell | Neil Jordan | [59] |
| 2014 | Maleficent | Diaval | Robert Stromberg | [60] |
| 2014 | The Dark Valley | Greider | Andreas Prochaska | [61] |
| 2014 | Suite Française | Benoit Labarie | Saul Dibb | [62] |
| 2016 | Pride and Prejudice and Zombies | Mr. Wickham | Burr Steers | |
| 2016 | Robby and Toby's Fantastic Voyager | Brad Blutbad (voice) | Wolfgang Groos | [63] |
| 2016 | Free Fire | Stevo | Ben Wheatley | [64] |
| 2018 | Sometimes Always Never | Peter | Carl Hunter | |
| 2018 | Happy New Year, Colin Burstead | David Burstead | Ben Wheatley | |
| 2019 | Maleficent: Mistress of Evil | Diaval | Joachim Rønning | Reprising role from 2014 film[65] |
| 2019 | Radioactive | Pierre Curie | Marjane Satrapi | [66] |
| 2020 | Rebecca | Jack Favell | Ben Wheatley | [67] |
| 2021 | The Vault | James | Jaume Balagueró | Also known as Way Down |
| 2022 | She Is Love | Idris | Jamie Adams | |
| 2023 | Firebrand | Thomas Seymour | Karim Aïnouz | |
| 2023 | Widow Clicquot | Louis Bohne | Thomas Napper | [68] |
| 2024 | John Cranko | John Cranko | Joachim Lang | [69] |
| 2025 | Bulk | Corey Harlan | Ben Wheatley | [28] |
| 2025 | Islands | Tom | Jan-Ole Gerster | Tennis coach at resort[70] |